Energy Monitoring Reports

The Energy Monitoring Reports are published annually. They present the outcomes secured by the implementation of the London Plan energy policies through the planning system for planning applications referable to the Mayor.

An energy assessment is required for all major planning applications, setting out how the London Plan energy policies will be met within the development. Specifically, applicants are required to set out how the proposals will meet the net zero carbon target and how they will apply the following energy hierarchy to do so:

• Be lean: use less energy and manage demand during operation
• Be clean: exploit local energy resources (such as secondary heat) and supply energy efficiently and cleanly
• Be green: maximise opportunities for renewable energy by producing, storing and using renewable energy on-site
• Be seen: monitor, verify and report on energy performance.

The hierarchy also contributes to the implementation of strategic energy policies relating to district heat networks and ensures opportunities for building occupants to receive efficient, secure and affordable energy.

As part of meeting the net zero carbon target, planning applicants are required to maximise on-site carbon reductions and any residual carbon emissions are offset via a cash-in-lieu contribution to the relevant borough’s carbon offset fund. These funds are ring-fenced to secure carbon savings elsewhere in the borough. The value of these funds and how boroughs are using them is reported on in the annual Carbon Offset Funds Report.